Doll maker Kyugetsu unveils its 2026 "Kitaibina" collection — Taito Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Mahiro Sakai)
In Japan, hina dolls are traditionally displayed for Hinamatsuri, or Girls' Day, on March 3. Families use them to pray for the health, happiness, and growth of their daughters.
The long-established doll maker Kyugetsu has added a modern twist to this tradition. Each year, the company creates a special set called Kotoshi no Kitaibina, or "dolls of expectations for the year ahead." It features athletes expected to shine in major events.
Kyugetsu revealed the 2026 lineup on February 4, wishing the athletes success at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which opened on February 6, and the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March.
Featured Athletes
The dolls include snowboarder Ayumu Hirano and speed skater Miho Takagi, who competed at the Olympics. Among the other featured dolls are Munetaka Murakami, who joined Major League Baseball's Chicago White Sox this year, figure skater Kaori Sakamoto, and MLB star Shohei Ohtani. The Sakamoto doll holds a pair of skates, while the Ohtani doll carries a bat and ball.
Kyugetsu's President Hisatoshi Yokoyama said, "We paid special attention to the shape of their eyes and mouths to resemble each athlete. We hope their success at the Olympics and WBC will bring joy to households across Japan."
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
